USS Discovery

He lets out a half-cough, half-laugh as the world stops spinning, gripping the arms of the command chair until he regains his composure. Saru looks over at him with sympathy and a half-smile.

"End Black Alert. You never forget your first, sir."

He chuckles, catching his breath and straightening back up. "Status, Detmer?"

"Confirmed sir, the Republic is waiting for us."

"Move us within transporter range. Mr Bryce, hail the Republic."

"They're already hailing us, sir."

"On screen then. Hannah, good to see you."

Captain Zimmerman nods. Her normally severe expression holds just a hint of amusement, and he can't help wondering what the joke is. "You too, Chris. Fancy ship you've got there."

"She is at that. We're ready to borrow your ambassador, whenever she's ready to beam over."

"Don't bang her up too much, Pike. I'll want her back when you're done."

"Understood."

Owo turns and looks at him. "Sir, we have confirmation from the Republic's transporter room. They're ready."

"Very good. We won't keep you, Hannah, I'm sure you've got places to be."

"Indeed. Good luck on your mission, Captain. Republic out."

He stands from the chair as the screen winks out. "I'll go meet the ambassador. Mr Saru, you have the conn."

She materializes.

She's deliberately left her hands free, placing the box at her feet. Someone's going to be meeting her, after all - probably - and she's going to be shaking hands. Much better not to be juggling.

It turns out to have been a good plan...because there's a captain waiting for her.

She sizes him up in the space of a breath. The expression on his face isn't giving anything away, which she can appreciate. The friendly, open features that she remembers from the Academy are still there, sharpened with the years and framed by a few streaks of grey here and there. His hands are folded behind his back, showing off a straight posture and broad shoulders.

"Ambassador. Welcome to the Discovery."

She makes eye contact and offers him a smile. "Thank you, Captain."

She descends the steps, shifts her bag, and shakes his hand. "And thank you for coming to get me so quickly. You certainly didn't let any grass grow under your feet."

"Well, depending on what happens with these signals, we might have to get out of here in a hurry again."

She nods. "I should brief your crew on why exactly they sent me here for this. Are you at liberty to call an officer's meeting?"

"Of course. This way, ambassador."

"I'm on temporary reassignment from the Republic. Not because your mission requires an ambassador, although it certainly could. But because I have some prior experience with this energy."

Leah folds her hands on the table, looking around at the faces, locking names in her memory.

Commander Saru is the first to speak. "How is that possible?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, Commander. It's in the logs from one of my very first attache assignments - the Endigan trade talks in 2244. May I?"

"Please."

She has prepared for this, and the data she needs is already loaded into the ready room's system. A few taps of the keys bring up the recording on the viewscreen.

"Personal log, Attache Leah Kennedy. I can't explain it, but I'm pretty sure I was supposed to die today. I...the talks were sabotaged. I was right there. Everyone else in the room...dead. And somehow I was thrown clear. Barely a scratch." The ambassador's image pauses. "I saw...something. Everything...it was a blur. It was red. And it...saved me." She thrusts her fingers through her hair. "I don't know. Everyone seems to think it was a hallucination caused by concussive force from the blast. The demolitions people are making a lot of noise about angles and how I was sitting in my chair and one-in-a-million chances. But I know what I saw."

She turns the image off and looks around at the crew. "Captain, when Starfleet first encountered these signals, they ran through everything in the files looking for something like it. The sabotage at Endigan is the only record of any similar energy. So...that's why I'm here."

"Well...we're glad to have you, ambassador." Pike folds his hands, resting his elbows on the table. "Commander Saru, you'll liaise with the ambassador initially. Help her settle in."

"Certainly, Captain."

"Very good." He stands, signaling an end to the briefing. "The rest of you are dismissed. Ambassador, if you'd stay for a moment please?"

"Of course."

As the door closes behind the last of the crew, he turns and looks at Leah.

"...Hi."

She can't help it...she bursts out laughing at the sheer level of tense awkwardness that he's managed to package into one short word. He starts chuckling, despite himself, looking down at the floor until he can get himself back under control, and she manages to do the same.

He sits down at his desk, gesturing at the chair in front of it. "Have a seat?"

She gracefully folds herself into the chair, crossing one leg over the other, still with an expression of amusement. "I have to say, I wasn't even sure you'd remember."

"It's not every day a man gets a martini dumped on him."

"I would hope not. That's a waste of a lot of good martini."

He chuckles again, resting his elbows on the desk. "I'll let Commander Saru get you acclimated. My CDOs on the Enterprise have mostly kept to themselves...I'm not sure what you like to do."

She shrugs. "I'll be around as much as you want me to be. I normally attend all of the officers' briefings on the Republic."

"I'd prefer that, yes. Saru can fill you in on the schedule."

"Then I'll be there."

"Our mission is...unique, to say the least. And so is this ship. We might have to figure a few things out along the way."

She nods, arching an eyebrow. "I think you'll find that I'm good at that, Captain."

"To be honest, I have no idea how much we're going to need you. I hope you won't be too bored."

"I brought plenty of work from the Republic, in case it's slow. Don't worry about me being able to keep busy."

She leaves shortly afterwards, heading for the bridge to meet Saru, and he sits motionless for a moment, staring at the wall of his ready room.

He'd been braced for awkwardness, and is surprised at how comfortable she seems. Although perhaps not - she's a diplomat, after all. She could be thinking anything.

What he hadn't been braced for was a resurgence of the attraction he'd felt eighteen years ago. The calm presence that seems to emanate right from her bones...and of course, those grey eyes. Both are still very much present in his new CDO.

He traces the keyboard on his desk. Normally, he likes to scope out his people well in advance, and Leah Kennedy has been dropped in his lap. A disastrous date eighteen years ago doesn't tell him anything about who she actually is now.

This is as good a time as any to do a bit of research, as they wait for something to happen with the signals. He has a suspicion that Leah is going to find out about any calls he makes to Hannah Zimmerman, and that's the last thing he wants. But there's another call he can make...

"Aiden. It's been a long time."

"Chris! This is a surprise. And yes, it has been quite awhile. You must have a very interesting reason for calling me…"

Aiden Dodge, captain of the USS Hood, has always reminded him of one of Shakespeare's sprites, and this time is no exception. Their piercing black eyes snap with curiosity at the unexpected call, sharp features focused on the screen.

He steeples his hands in front of him. "I just got landed with one of your former officers. I was hoping to get your take?"

"Of course. Who is it?"

"Leah Kennedy. The ambassador."

"Ahhhh…" Dodge's expression changes to one of envy. "Lucky you. And I mean that sincerely."

He raises an eyebrow, inviting the other captain to continue, and they don't disappoint.

"I was sad to lose her. She had to go on leave for awhile, and we got Ambassador Godwin while she was gone. From you, as I recall?"

"That's right."

Dodge leans forward, arching one eyebrow. "Between you and me? Huge downgrade there. I got spoiled with two years of Kennedy. I've got another one now, Ambassador Tailen, and it's better, but still not even close."

This he knows already, from the drinking contest a few years ago. Leah is good. But he can't very well just come out and say to Aiden No, that's not what I mean. Tell me what makes her tick. Tell me what's important to her. So he's going to have to just nudge it along.

"Kennedy's solid, then?"

"Exceptional. Just give her all of it, Chris. Any of the diplomatic stuff that you don't want to deal with. She'll take it and run, and she'll always have your back."

"Is there…" He pauses, thinks. "Anything I should know on the personal level? The stuff that isn't in the files?"

Dodge shrugs. "She loves good wine. White. You want to get on her good side, that's a sure bet."

"Thanks, Aiden. I appreciate the insight."

"And listen, if you don't want her, you send her back here."

"I think you'll have to get in line behind Hannah Zimmerman…"

"Right." Dodge shudders. "Well, I hope that helps, Chris. Got to go, but don't be a stranger, all right?"

"You too, Aiden. Thanks again."

He shuts off the screen, deep in thought.

Saru stands from the command chair as she enters the bridge, passing the conn off to Bryce, and joins her at the lift. "Welcome to the bridge, ambassador."

"Thank you, Commander." She looks around. "It's quite a bit more spacious than I'm used to."

"I will give you a more extensive review later, but I thought we would begin with stopping at your quarters." He glances down at the box in her arms as they reenter the lift.

"Sounds perfect."

"You'll be on deck five, with most of the senior officers, as long as that suits you?"

"Very much so. I was on deck four on the Hood, with the VIPs. I didn't like it. I find it much better to be with the rest of the officers."

"Very good. We do have a small office for you as well, on deck nine. Would you care for a full tour of the ship after you drop your things?"

"Yes please."

Saru is as good as his word, and after she leaves her box and bag in her (also rather spacious) quarters, he escorts her through the ship, including a return to the bridge. She is impressed, and says so; while the Constitution ships are the pride of the fleet, the Crossfield class is nothing to sneeze at.

The tour ends in the mess hall, settling down with trays for a late lunch. The room is mostly empty at this hour, only one or two others, and they have the luxury of a larger table all to themselves.

"We have not had a chief diplomatic officer aboard the Discovery previously, Ambassador. I admit that I am not exceedingly familiar."

"Yes, you wouldn't have, as a science ship. We're only on the Constitution class so far. There are... fourteen of us, I think? In consistent service, anyway. Sometimes more, when there's need."

"How long have you been on board the Republic?"

"Five years. I was on the Hood before that, at the start of the program."

"And will you require a station on the bridge?"

She shrugs. "That's really up to the captain. I didn't on the Hood, but I do have one on the Republic. Captain Zimmerman prefers it." She takes a sip of water. "I'm not sure how Captain Pike feels. Ambassador Muktahr is stationed on the Enterprise, but I don't know him."

"I will make a note to ask. I am sure we can accommodate you if the captain wants it."

"If you have a multipurpose, I have my data layout that I brought from the Republic. To make the setup easier."

Saru blinks at her. "You have arrived most prepared."

"Goes with the trade." She smiles. "The captain did ask for me to attend officers' briefings. What's the schedule?"

"Ah, yes. 0800 daily in the captain's ready room."

"Good. Thank you, I'll make sure to attend starting tomorrow."

"Excellent. Would you mind elaborating on your role a bit more, Ambassador? I would like to know when we will need to consult you on mission-related matters."

"If you figure it out, let me know." She laughs. "The shipboard CDOs became a thing about seven years ago, when it was clear that the exploratory ships needed someone to really specialize in diplomacy due to the sheer number of first contact situations and things like that. So...that's a good start for when you should be talking to me. But this whole program is still evolving. If you think you need me, just ask."

"I am surprised that your role is not more common. I am a first contact specialist myself, but I can think of many circumstances when the Discovery could have benefitted from your skills."

"Like I said, there aren't that many of us. The career diplomat program at the Academy is pretty small, and it's not growing. I was one of exactly two in my graduating class, and at most there were a total of six of us in the program while I was there." She takes the last bite of her lunch, a chicken kebab on a bed of brown rice. "I've been hopeful that the shipboard CDO program will get more people into the diplomacy major, with having something definite to shoot for."

"I was aware that the major existed, but I confess that it seemed more appealing to remain on the standard path."

"You and everyone else. We're kind of the black sheep of the Academy, at present. But again, I'm hoping that will change."

"How did you choose it, if I may ask?"

"My grandfather. Career diplomat as well. I loved hearing about what he did; his work always seemed so important. It was a pretty easy choice for me." She smiled. "And I wanted to see the stars."

"That is admirable of you." Saru lays his fork down. "If you are finished, ambassador, we should visit the supply officer and ensure that you have access to uniforms and the like."

"Lead the way, Commander."

"Is the ambassador settled in?"

"Yes, Captain. There was some question as to whether you would like her on the bridge."

He blinks, as Saru sits down in front of his desk. "The bridge?"

"Yes sir. She mentioned that she maintains a station on the Republic."

"Well. That's a first. Do we have a station for her?"

"We can accommodate, yes sir."

He shrugs. "Let her know she's welcome anytime, then. Have her set a schedule so that we know when she'll be around."

"Very good sir. I found it fascinating to learn about her role; I had not thought of it as a need for Starfleet, previously."

"Jury's still out on that, Commander." He grimaces. "My own experiences with the CDOs have been...mixed."

"Ambassador Kennedy appears to be very competent."

"By all accounts, she is. Exceptionally so. There was a fight over her the last time she was reassigned."

"A fight, sir?"

Starbase 12, 2253

"Pike! Get over here, you're just in time."

He turns, not recognizing the voice at first, but grins as his eyes land on Kendrick Harris, waving at him from inside the bar. He shoulders his way in; the bar is crowded, full of officers enjoying a well-earned break.

"What's going on?"

In addition to Harris, he sees two - no, three - of the other Constitution captains gathered around a long table. It's a real treat to have so many of the class gathered; the christening of the Korolev had been luckily timed, with five ships close enough to make the event and welcome their new class sister.

Hannah Zimmerman of the Republic is clearing empty glasses off of the table. Athena Kakalios, from the Valiant, is lining up shots in the center. Sean Sherman, from the Lexington, is just standing there, arms crossed, looking determined.

Kendrick grins at him. He claps the other man on the shoulder; Kendrick still looks a bit dazed, flush with his promotion. He should be. The Excalibur is a fine ship, and Kendrick deserves it.

"Drinking contest, Chris."

"I gathered that. Any particular reason?"

Athena carefully places the last shot from her tray on the table. "We all have open slots for CDOs...and there's a good one available."

Hannah sits down at the table, eyeing the line of shots like an eagle might look at a mouse. "Commissioner Ramirez owes me a few favors. So we're going to settle this amongst ourselves."

"Who's the CDO?"

"Leah Kennedy. She's coming back from leave, and her spot on the Hood is already full." Athena grins, putting him in mind of a shark. "Much to the annoyance of one Aiden Dodge. So Kennedy is up for grabs."

Athena, Kendrick, and Sean settle themselves at the table, and all look up at him. "You want in on this, Chris?" Kendrick asks. "Your CDO post is open too, isn't it?"

He is correct.

But…

Leah Kennedy. That's a name he remembers.

He hasn't seen her since their Academy days, and he can't think about it without cringing inside. God, he'd been an ass.

To make it worse, he also can't think about it without remembering a captivating pair of smoky grey eyes. And an apple-flavored kiss that he never got.

"I think I'll sit this one out," he says lightly. "Someone has to play babysitter for your drunk butts."

Sean passes him a pad. "Good. You can referee."

They all laugh, and he gets a beer from the bar, shaking off the memory of cinnamon sugar, and sits at the head of the table.

The rules of this game are simple.

Regulations. Subsection and paragraph, and word-for-word on the text. Messing up equals taking a shot.

Unsurprisingly, Kendrick is the first out; he'd been rooting for his friend, but the rest of the captains have fifteen years on him at least. Kendrick's chances had been slim at best, and he manages to smile, stagger to the bar for a glass of water, and prop himself up on a chair to watch the rest of the contest.

It's a good ten minutes before anyone has to take another shot, and then it's Athena, leaving a sentence out of the middle of a security protocol. She tries to argue until he shows her the pad, then it's raucous laughter as she downs her shot.

A crowd gathers as Sean has to drink, and he's pretty sure there's a betting pool starting. Athena is finally out after three more shots in quick succession, jumping up and running for the bathrooms.

Hannah and Sean face off across the table: the Republic versus the Lexington. Hannah's had two; Sean's had four. The betting intensifies, and he gets another beer.

The ending is spectacular. Hannah Zimmerman, after two shots in a row, stands and recites the entire formal text of the reserve activation clause, which requires him to actually scroll on the pad to follow along. She is letter-perfect, and Sean throws up his hands, takes his shot, and faceplants on the table.

Hannah nods with immense satisfaction, accepting the congratulations of what by now is a rather large number of officers gathered around the table. He leans over, pushing a glass of water towards her.

"Are you getting a cut of the bets, too?"

She looks at him with a gleam in her eye and doesn't respond, just picking up the water and taking a sip.

Saru chuckles as he finishes the story. "Why did you not participate in the contest, Captain?"

He clears his throat. "Ah...the ambassador and I have a bit of history. I didn't think she'd be...enthusiastic...about being posted to the Enterprise."

"That is surprising, sir. Everything has seemed very cordial thus far."

"Well, it was a long time ago. I made some...rather ill-advised comments regarding the career diplomat program of study. At the time, I didn't know she was in it, but that doesn't excuse what I said."

"Ah. I see. I would infer that the ambassador did not take that particularly well."

"You could say that. She dumped a drink on me."

Saru makes a sound suspiciously like a snort, before recovering his composure. "Perhaps it has been long enough that it is, as they say, water under the bridge now, sir."

"Perhaps you're right."

Leah hesitates at the door of the mess hall. She feels a little bit less conspicuous, now that she's changed into one of her new standard uniforms, but she's still brand new on this ship. With a wince, she thinks about the Republic, and how she'd be joining any number of tables at this time.

There's an empty table to the side, and she makes a beeline for it, swinging by one of the empty synthesizer stations and ordering a simple salad for dinner. She's more tired than anything else and is looking forward to an early bedtime.

She settles in and just watches. She's eating on autopilot, letting her eyes and ears work to understand the feel of this ship and crew. She knows the heartbeat of the Republic, intimately, and she'll need to at least get an idea of the same for the Discovery in order to do her best work.

Because she's going to give them her best.

Pike has a reputation as the best captain in Starfleet. Well, she's got a reputation too.

Her train of thought is interrupted by the plunk of a tray next to her, which is immediately followed by a body landing in the chair. She looks up, startled.

"Hi. I'm Ensign Sylvia Tilly. Are you new?" She squints at Leah's badge and her expression instantly becomes mortified. "Omigod. You're a captain? I'm sorry. I'm really sorry to disturb you. Should I go?"

Right. The four pips for ambassadors, same as a captain. She'd forgotten about that, with the older badge style. And no one recognizes their damn olive branch.

She shakes her head, cautiously. "Ambassador Leah Kennedy. I'm your new chief diplomatic officer."

"Oh." The ensign looks relieved, and settles back down, biting into her sandwich. "Right! You're why we had to bring the spore drive back online."

"I…"

"I don't think the Discovery's ever had an ambassador before. How long are you here for?"

"Just this mission, I think."

Tilly nods, taking another bite of sandwich. "Well, you looked a little lonely, so I thought I'd sit with you."

Leah blinks.

Yes. She probably was a little lonely.

"Thank you." She offers the…eager...ensign a smile. "It's my first day here. I don't know very many of you yet. It's very different for me."

"And you came from the Republic, right? What's it like? I bet the Constitution ships are really nice."

Tilly is a font of questions, and by the time Leah rises, she feels like she's recounted half of her life story. Exhaustion is setting in, and she bids Tilly a good night, managing to get back to her quarters with only one wrong turn.

The ship is settling down for the night shift; the corridor lights are dimmed, and there's a sense of peace in the hallways. In her quarters, she changes into leggings and a soft new DISCO t-shirt, curling up in bed.

Tomorrow she'll really get started. And she's looking forward to it.